Viral-inhibiting apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methodology are disclosed, which impose an electric current signal of reversing polarity between electrodes through viral-laden tissue.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to curtailing viral phenomenonand, more particularly, to viral-inhibiting apparatus and methods, whichimpose an electric current signal of reversing polarity upon the viralladen region.

BACKGROUND

The presence of a virus in the body manifests itself various as feverblisters, genital affliction, lesions, warts, growths, etc., with theattending pain, burning, irritation, swelling, itching, andembarrassment.

Because viral infections are often long term and repetitive, providingtechnology to inhibit the same, immediately and continuously availableto the afflicted person, would be a valuable benefit to the individualsspecifically and to mankind generally.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In brief summary the present invention overcomes or substantiallyalleviates problems of the past pertaining to inhibiting viralphenomenon, by apparatus and methodology which impose an electriccurrent signal of reversing polarity upon the viral-laden site.

With the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object to overcome orsubstantially alleviate problems of the past in inhibiting viralphenomenon.

Another paramount object is to inhibit viral phenomenon using apparatusand methodology which impose an electric current signal betweenelectrodes first in one direction and then in another direction.

A further significant object is the provision of novel apparatus andmethodology for inhibiting viral phenomenon, which are immediately andcontinuously available to the person afflicted.

Another important object is the provision of viral inhibiting apparatushaving one or more of the following features: hand-held; self operable;reduces severity and frequency of the ailment; non-invasive; costeffective; low maintenance; long lasting although discardable andreplaceable when and if contaminated; essentially painless; low power;conserves power; applicable to various wave forms; provides for rapidtransition between polarity reversals; and solves a long existingunsatisfied need.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will beapparent from the detailed description taken with reference toaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a viral inhibitor embodying principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronics of the inhibitor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the carrier signal upon which a desired waveformis superimposed; and

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of circuitry contained in the inhibitor ofFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention addresses the long-standing, unsatisfied need fora viral-inhibiting non-invasive apparatus and methods. The novelapparatus and methods herein disclosed fundamentally impose an electriccurrent signal of reversing polarity upon a viral-laden region, on anon-invasive basis. The apparatus is handy since it may be compact, suchthat some embodiments may be hand-held and self utilized, whereby theelectric current signal passes between exposed spaced electrodes orprobes through a viral-laden region of the person afflicted, such as alip affected with a cold sore or fever blister. The polarity of thecurrent signal, after a relatively short period of time, is rapidlyreversed and oppositely applied also for a limited period of time. Insome embodiments, the current signal, from a low-voltage power source,is applied to one electrode for a few seconds, the transition to reversepolarity takes only micro seconds and the oppositely applied currentsignal to a second electrode then also consumes a few seconds. However,the process may be repeated periodically without risk of human injury.The length of exposure may be shortened or extended, as appropriate. Thereversal of polarity is accommodated by a trigger circuit interposedbetween two differential circuits.

The apparatus and associated methodology reduces the severity, frequencyand duration of the viral phenomenon. The apparatus is cost effective,low maintenance and, while it may be functional for an extremely longtime, it may be discarded and replaced when and if the device or probesthereof become contaminated so that complete cleaning can no longer takeplace. The disclosed apparatus is essentially painless, uses low power,has an automatic shutoff, conserves energy and may utilize one or moreof a variety of waveforms. The apparatus includes a safety feature,which prevents harm to the user or to a child who may inadvertently gainaccess to the apparatus.

The reversal in polarity is significant, although the exact reasontherefore is not, at this time, fully understood. There are no knownside effects, merely a slight tingle at the skin.

The disclosed apparatus (inhibitor) includes a high current disablingcircuit which shuts down the apparatus if the current signal passingbetween the electrodes through the viral-ridden tissue exceeds a saferange.

A double-pole, double-throw switch may be used to rapidly reversepolarity. The current signal, first in one direction and then in asecond, comprises an output successively issued from two differentialcircuits through opposed probes or electrodes. The internal circuitry ofthe differential circuits in the disclosed apparatus comprises zero biascircuitry. The zero bias circuit is deactivated by manual engagement ofa push button. The zero bias is restored when the reverse polaritysignals time out, to preserve electrical power. High gain can beachieved and active discrete elements may be utilized in the inhibitor.A regeneration circuit can boot the inhibitor for rapid utilization.

The start push button is preferably interior of a transparent ortranslucent cover, which is yieldable to accommodate actuation of thestart push button through the cover. Similarly, certain light indicators(LEDs) are disclosed as being inside the transparent or translucentcasing. As explained herein in greater detail, the visual indicatorscommunicate to the user that the device is activated, the direction ofthe current signal, that the magnitude of the current of the signal iseither within or beyond a safe range. The inhibitor negates circuitbounce, which otherwise might cause multiple or false starts.

The two spaced electrodes or probes maybe non-detachable and of anon-metallic conductive material to increase useful life, preventcorrosion and accommodate more effective cleaning between uses. Thecurrent signal between the electrodes preferably is disbursed or spreadacross a large region of the probe surface to reduce potential harm andto accommodate diffusion into all parts of the viral-laden area. Aconcentrated signal through metal probes might create a higher risk ofinjury to the user. The battery may be of any suitable type, although acommercially available nine (9) volt transistor radio battery of verysmall dimension is currently preferred. The useful life of such abattery in the disclosed apparatus can be for many years. Less voltageloss can occur with high gain and regeneration features if used to causesaturation of the output circuits. Soldered battery leads are preferredover snap connectors, for a longer reliable useful life because of lesscorrosion.

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals are used todesignate like parts throughout. FIG. 1 illustrates a hand-held viralinhibitor, generally designated 10, embodying principles of the presentinvention. Inhibitor 10 comprises a removable, press-fit cap, generallydesignated 12, held in one had 15 of a user with the active portion ofthe device, generally designated 14, shown as being held in a secondhand 16. The active portion 14 comprises a pair of spaced probes orelectrodes “A” and “B” separated by a predetermined gap or space 18,where viral-laden tissue is placed. Adjacent to the electrodes A and Bis a translucent casing 20, which is deflectable so as to accommodateactuation of a press start button located under the casing, ashereinafter explained in greater detail. The casing 20 also allowspassage of illumination to the eyes of the user from certain visualindicators located under the translucent casing 20. The electricalcomponents comprising the inhibitor 10 are disposed in casing 20. Theactive portion 14 of the inhibitor 10 further comprises a base housing22 in which the 9 volt power supply battery 24 is located.

After each use, as explained herein, it is preferred that the probes orelectrodes A and B be cleaned with alcohol or in some other similar wayand the cap 12 once more positioned releasably in press fit relationover the probes A and B and the translucent cover 20, for storagepurposes.

The electronic components positioned in casing 20 are all initially zerobiased so that during idle times, there is zero power drain. Therefore,the power supply 24 (FIG. 2), which may be a commercially available ninevolt transistor radio battery is of high quality and has both a longshelf life and a long useful life.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the power supply 24 provides lowvoltage electrical power to push start button 26, to a waveform circuit28 and to first and second differential output circuits 30 and 32.

The waveform circuit 28 may be of any commercially available type bywhich a desired signal is superimposed upon a carrier signal, and thecomposite signal issued first from first differential output circuit 30and thereafter from second differential output circuit 32. The nature ofthe carrier signal is illustrated in FIG. 3. The signal from circuit 28,which is superimposed upon the carrier signal may be of any desiredtype, including, but not limited to, a sine wave, a half sine waverectified, a full sine wave rectified, a positive or a negative rampwaveform, a square and other more sophisticated waveforms, a positiveand a negative triangle waveform, a sawtooth waveform and a ramp waveform. Thus, the superimposed waveform may range from simplistic tocomplex, depending upon the type, in the best judgment of those skilledin the art, is deemed most appropriate for a given application. Thus,the output signal may be characterized as a carrier signal upon which afurther waveform of appropriate makeup, is superimposed to provide thedesired current signal saturation of a viral-laden location.

With both differential output circuits 30 and 32 in an off condition, apredetermined site on the translucent casing 20, is manually depressedby the user, which activates the first differential output circuit 30.

Once the start button 26 has activated differential output circuit 30pressure on button 26 is released and the input to circuit 30 is fedback or regenerated to provide a high gain amplification output signalwhich is delivered to probe A. This signal propatates across space 18 toprobe B. Space 18, during operation of the inhibitor 10, occupied by aviral-laden region of tissue, such as a human lip comprised of a coldsore or fever blister. The high gain amplification in the firstdifferential output circuit 30 drives the output at probe A to deepsaturation with a near zero internal voltage drop causing the outputsignal voltage level to be near full battery voltage (typically ninevolts).

When the first differential output circuit 30 is activated and deliversa low current signal to probe A, a first color LED or light indicator 38is illuminated so as to be visually observable to the user through thetranslucent casing 20. This confirms that the first differential outputcircuit 30 is functioning appropriately and delivering a current signalto probe A, having a magnitude within a safe range.

Once the first differential output circuit 30 is on and a current signalbeing delivered to probe A, a timing circuit 40 controls the durationduring which probe A receives the signal. When the timing circuit 40times out, the first differential output circuit 30 is turned off and atrigger circuit 42 activates the second differential output circuit 32.This changes the state of second differential output circuit 32 from offto on, activating a timing circuit 44, which controls the length of timesecond differential output circuit 32 delivers a low current signal toprobe B, which is passed through viral-laden tissue in space 18 back toprobe A. Once the predetermined time set by timing circuit 44 hasexpired, the circuit 44 causes the second differential output circuit 32to turn off. In this condition, no signal is issued to either probe A orB. The timing circuit 44 activates a regeneration which increases thegain, as explained above, in the signal issuing the second differentialoutput circuit 32 to probe B.

When both differential output circuits 30 and 32 are off, the inhibitor10 can be re-activated only by pushing start button 26 once more, whichre-initiates the sequence described above.

As is true of the first differential output circuit 30, the seconddifferential output circuit 32 provides a high gain amplification. Whenthe second differential output circuit 32 is delivering a current signalto probe B, a second color LED or light indicator 50 is visuallyilluminated through the translucent casing 20 for visual observation bythe user.

The probes A and B are monitored respectively by overcurrent circuits 52and 54, respectively. Should the milliamp magnitude of the currentsignal between the probes exceed a predetermined amount, the overcurrentcircuits 52 and 54 cause first and second differential and regenerationoutput circuits 30 and 32 to both be in an on condition so that nofurther current signal passes between probes A and B. Normally, currentlevels at the probes A and B will stay within the permitted range unlessskin is wet. When wet both circuits 30 and 32 are placed in an on state,with both LED, 38 and 58 illuminated. The inhibitor 10 is then movedaway from the viral-laden site, the skin dried and the process utilizingthe inhibitor 10 is repeated. When both first and second differentialoutput circuits are placed in an on condition, the first differentialoutput circuit 30 turns off after the above-mentioned predetermined ontime. Similarly, the second differential output circuit 32 turns off atthe end of its normal reverse polarity predetermined interval.

Regeneration circuits 34 and 46 help feed back output signals from thefirst and second differential output circuits 30 and 32, respectively,to the inputs of circuits 30 and 32 to thereby obtain a high gainamplification, as explained in greater detail in conjunction with thecircuit diagram of FIG. A.

The timing circuits 40 and 44 comprise charging and dischargingcapacitors to set periods for each output sequence of first one polarityand then reverse polarity.

Each differential output circuit 30 and 32 is of such a nature that thecircuits may be characterized as floating, where the output level andsignal polarity flow direction is set by differences between the firstand second differential output circuits 30 and 32. The circuitry of eachcircuit 30 and 32 is zero biased by circuits 34 and 46 during idle timeto prevent drainage of power from the battery 24. Each circuit 30 and 32comprises high gain active discrete elements or components so that thezero bias between the two circuits is balanced.

The probes A and B may be non-detachable and of a non-metallicconductive material having a desired low level of ohms resistance.Non-metallic conductive material better accommodates cleaning andspreads the signal across the entire tip area so as to permeate as muchof the viral-laden tissues as possible. The spreading of the signal alsoeliminates any risk of burning, thereby making the inhibitor 10 safer.

As mentioned earlier, the casing 20 is preferably deflectable andtranslucent, or transparent to accommodate visual observation of thevisual indicators 38 and 58 on the inside thereof and to accommodate,through deflection, actuation of push start button 26.

The present invention involves relatively few parts, commonly usedcomponents, easily obtained tolerances, is not temperature or humiditysensitive and provides a long, useful life. The circuitry may be mountedon one surface of a circuit board resulting in high reliability, and alower cost. It is preferred that electrical connections be throughdirect coupling with soldered battery leads, as opposed to snapconnectors for improved reliability because little or no corrosionoccurs due to high moisture environments.

The resulting inhibitor is compact, inexpensive and replaceable, whenand if it becomes contaminated after a protracted use. Viral inhibitorsin accordance with the present invention and related methodology, solvesa long standing previously unsatisfied problem pertaining to anon-invasive mechanism by which fever blisters, lesions, growths, warts,cold sores, herpes infections, shingles and other viruses are inhibitedso that they become less severe, less frequent and of a shorterduration. The inhibitor may be hand-held and self utilized.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 which illustrates the circuitrycontained within the casing 20. The circuitry relates to componentscontained within blocks illustrated and described in conjunction withFIG. 2. When the inhibitor 10 is idle, zero bias circuits 34 and 46provide a zero bias to the circuitry so that no battery drain occurs.Resistors R2 _(A) and R2 _(B) prevent energy loss to the circuits 30 and32 when the inhibitor 10 is off. The combinations of resistor R2 _(A)and diode D_(A) and resistor R2 _(B) and diode D_(B), respectively,prevents leakage from inputs to transistors Q1 _(A), Q2 _(A), Q1 _(B)and Q2 _(B), hereinafter described, when inhibitor 10 is bled off by thezero bias circuits 34 and 46. By reason of resistors R2 _(A) and R2_(B), leakages to ground through diodes D_(A) and D_(B) is prevented.

When the user or operator is ready to render the inhibitor 10 active,push start button 26 is manually depressed, which momentarily closes atB1, allowing current to flow across B1 through high ohm resistor R1 tothe base of transistor Q1 _(A). Once resistor Q1 _(A) has been sotriggered, the push start button 26 is manually released which places B1in its normally open state. Once transistor Q1 _(A) is activated, thefirst differential circuit 30 is placed in operation so that, for apre-determined interval of time, a current signal is communicated toprobe A, through a viral-laden area to the probe B, as explained hereinin greater detail.

The transistor Q1 _(A) of first differential output circuit 30 changesthe signal delivered to the base by 180 degrees at the collectorthereof. The emitter of transmitter Q1 _(A) is at ground. The signal atthe collector is delivered across direct coupling resistor R3 _(A) tothe base transistor Q2 _(A). The transistor Q2 _(A) changes the signaldelivered to its base through 180 degrees at the collector thereof, torestore the signal to in-phase positive. The emitter of the transistorQ2 _(A) is at battery potential. The in-phase positive signal at thecollector of the transistor Q2 _(A) is communicated to the probe A, tothe LED circuit 38 and to a feedback and regeneration circuit 36comprising resistor R4 _(A). This feedback signal is communicated acrosscapacitor C1 _(A) to the base of transistor Q1 _(A) as high gainpositive input to transistor Q1 _(A). This regenerates and elevates thesignal to a higher level and causes the circuit 30 to rapidly changefrom low to high gain output and helps to drive transistor Q2 _(A)deeper into saturation to enhance the current signal at the probe A.

Once the first differential output circuit 30 is timed out by capacitorC1 _(A) of circuit 40, as explained herein in greater detail, the seconddifferential circuit 32 is activated including turning transistors Q1_(B) and Q2 _(B) on. The charge from capacitor C2 is delivered to thebase of transistor Q2 _(B) turning transistor Q2 _(B) on. The emitter oftransistor Q2 _(B) is at battery potential and the collectorcommunicates a signal to second LED circuit 58, to regeneration circuit48 and to probe B. The regeneration circuit 44 comprised of resistor R4_(B) above achieves the same feedback high gain and amplification resultfor the second differential output circuit 32 to thereby ultimatelydeliver an enhanced high gain current signal to probe B.

This feedback regeneration, providing high gain amplification at thecircuits 30 and 32 reduces the off-to-on time and reverse polaritytransition time requirements. The circuits 30 and 32 are complimentaryand symmetrical.

The on time of the first differential output circuit 30 is set by thetiming capacitor C1 _(A), which is calibrated to retain circuit 30 inits on condition for the needed time interval. Once capacitor C1 _(A) isfully charged, which consumes time needed for circuit 30 to be on,insufficient voltage remains at the base of the transistor Q1 _(A) tokeep transistor Q1 _(A) in an on state. Accordingly, transistor Q1 _(A)times out.

The high gain amplification and regeneration feedback feature of theinvention allow smaller capacitors to provide the magnitude of on timeneeded.

Once the first differential output circuit 30 is timed out by capacitorC1 _(A), the second differential output circuit 32 is activated by thetrigger circuit 42. As stated above, electric power stored in fullycharged capacitor C2 is communicated to the base of the transistor Q2_(B), turning it on. The emitter of the transistor Q2 _(B) is at batterypotential, while the collector communicates to probe B, the second LEDcircuit 58 and feedback regeneration circuit 48 and timing circuit 44.The feedback signal flow through resistor R4 _(B) of regenerator circuit48 to the base of transistor Q1 _(B), turning transistor Q1 _(B) on.Once transistor Q1 _(B) is turned on, feedback from the collectortransistor Q2 _(B) through a feedback resistor R4 _(B) charges capacitorC1 _(B) for the predetermined interval of time required to reach a fullcharge, which equals the on time needed for circuit 32. Once capacitorC1 _(B) is fully charged, insufficient voltage reaches the base of thetransistor Q1 _(B) to keep transistor Q1 _(B) on. Thus, circuit 32 thentimes out and the entire inhibitor 10 is placed in an off or inactivestate. The regeneration of circuit 48 creates a high gain amplifiedsignal to probe B.

The inhibitor 10 may be used successively, one time after another. Thecircuitry illustrated in FIG. 4 provides for fast restart recovery timefrom the end of the prior use to the beginning of the next use. This isaccommodated by diodes D_(A) and D_(B), which provide paths for thetiming capacitors C1 _(A) and C1 _(B) to discharge rapidly each time theassociated differential output and regeneration circuit is turned off.As stated above, diodes D_(A) and D_(B) also aid the zero bias circuits34 and 46 by keeping leakage to zero.

When the first differential output circuit 30 is on, the signal issuingfrom the collector of transistor Q2 _(A) is communicated not onlythrough feedback timing circuit 40 and to probe A but also acrossresistor R6 _(A) to first LED 38, causing this LED to illuminate throughthe transparent or translucent casing 20. This visually informs the userthat the current signal is at a safe milliamp level and is beingtransferred from electrode A to electrode B. Similarly, when the circuit30 and LED 38 are off and the circuit 32 on, the high gain signal fromthe collector of transistor Q2 _(B) is not only displaced throughcircuit 44 and to probe B, but is delivered to the second LED 58 acrossresistor R6 _(B), to cause the second LED to be illuminated. Thisvisually informs the user that the current signal is at a safe milliamplevel and is being passed from electrode B to electrode A across space18 occupied by viral-laden tissue of the user.

There may be occasions when the current level of the signal passing fromone electrode to the other becomes higher than the recommended safetyrange, such as when a lip is placed in space 18, the surface of whichhas excessive moisture. By way of background, when the circuit 30 is on,providing a high output level signal to probe A, the circuit 32 is off,providing zero output to probe B. Thus, the current signal flows fromprobe A through viral-laden tissue to probe B and also through the highcurrent level sensor resistor R5 _(A) of overcurrent circuit 52 toground. When and if the current rises to an unacceptable level, suchcauses the voltage drop across resistor R5 _(B) to increase. The seconddifferential output circuit 32 is turned on, while the firstdifferential output circuit 30 remains on. In this state, both the firstand second LEDs 38 and 58 are illuminated, visually disclosing theproblem to the user. In this condition, the differential between theprobes A and B is essentially zero and no signal current flows betweenthe probes thereby discontinuing current signal flow through theviral-laden tissue and eliminating the risk of injury to the userindependent of whether the user observes that both LEDs 38 and 58 areon.

Significantly, the connection between transistors Q1 _(A) and Q2 _(A) aswell as between transistors Q1 _(B) and Q2 _(B), is a direct currentcoupling through resistors R3 _(A), and R3 _(B), respectively. Thisreduces the need for additional components, including capacitors andresistors. As a consequence, a number of problems are eliminated oralleviated including loss of power, dilution of signals, loweramplification gain and premature reduction in the regeneration feedbacksignal.

While the on time for each circuit 30 and 32 and the time required forreversal of polarity may vary, it is presently believed that circuit 30should be on for 10 seconds or more and circuit 32 for 10 seconds ormore with no more than 20 microseconds expiring during polarityreversal. The signal voltage across the probes A and B, in certainapplications, should be less than 10 volts and current levels less than1 milliamp.

It is presently preferred that transistors Q1 _(A) and Q1 _(B) eachcomprise a NPN semiconductor and transistors Q2 _(A) and Q2 _(B) eachcomprise a PNP complimentary semiconductor with symmetricalspecifications.

The rapid reversal of polarity after circuit 30 is turned off andcircuit 32 turned on is almost instantaneous. Capacitor C1 _(A) issaturated at the time, insufficient voltage is delivered to the base oftransistor Q1 _(A) causing the circuit 30 to shut down, as explainedabove, at which time the capacitor C2 triggers to turn circuit 32 on. Asstated above, this polarity reversal transition is in the microsecondsrange.

The signal from the collectors of transistor Q1 _(A) and Q1 _(B) acrossresistor R3 _(A) and resistor R3 _(B) to the base transistor Q2 _(A) andthe base of transistor Q2 _(B) provides the highest possibleamplification gain to drive transistor Q2 _(A) and transistor Q2 _(B)deep into saturation. This drops the minimum voltage across theassociated emitter lead to the associated collector lead. Thus, most ofthe voltage source at the emitter lead comes out the collector lead tothe output of the associated probe A or B.

While an independent waveform circuit, such as circuit 28 of FIG. 2, maybe used to provide the optimum waveform to the probes A and B, thedesired waveform may be generated internally within the circuit of FIG.4, through not only the arrangement of the components but by carefulselection of electronic elements to comprise the circuit.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Thepresent-embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A method of transcutaneously inhibiting viralphenomenon at a person's skin comprising the acts of: externallyapplying a complex low amp current signal of a first polarity across aviral-laden region of the skin between spaced electrodes for a firstcontrolled interval of time; reversing the first polarity and oppositelyexternally applying a low amp current signal to the viral-laden regionbetween the electrodes for a second controlled interval of time; firstand second differential output circuits; supplying the current signalbetween electrodes in the first polarity and reverse polarity from firstand second differential output circuits, respectively; subjecting thefirst and second differential output circuits to zero bias when off. 20.A method of transcutaneously inhibiting viral phenomenon at a person'sskin comprising the acts of: externally applying a complex low ampcurrent signal of a first polarity across a viral-laden region of theskin between spaced electrodes for a first controlled interval of time;reversing the first polarity and oppositely externally applying a lowamp current signal to the viral-laden region between the electrodes fora second interval of time; automatically terminating access to a lowvoltage source of electrical energy after a predetermined time ofaccess, to conserve power.
 21. A method according to claim 20 whereinaccess to the source of electrical energy is restored by humanintervention.
 22. A method wherein of transcutaneously inhibiting viralphenomenon at a person's skin comprising the acts of: externallyapplying a complex low amp current signal of a first polarity across aviral-laden region of the skin between spaced electrodes for a firstcontrolled interval of time; reversing the first polarity and oppositelyexternally applying a low amp current signal to the viral-laden regionbetween the electrodes for a second controlled interval of time; usinghigh gain amplification to drive the output current signals deep intosubcutaneous tissue.
 23. A method according to claim 22 wherein the highgain amplification is achieved by regenerating the signals delivered tothe electrodes.
 24. A method of transcutaneously inhibiting viralphenomenon at a person's skin comprising the acts of: externallyapplying a complex low amp current signal of a first polarity across aviral-laden region of the skin between spaced electrodes for a firstcontrolled interval of time; reversing the first polarity and oppositelyexternally applying a low amp current signal to the viral-laden regionbetween the electrodes for a second controlled interval of time; sensingthe level of the output current signal; providing a warning when thelevel exceeds a predetermined amount; and disabling of the flow ofcurrent between electrodes.